Israel and Hamas announced on Wednesday that they have reached the first stage of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, marking a major step toward ending the conflict that erupted two years ago.
The agreement sets in motion the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, a pullback of Israeli forces to defensive positions, and a resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been left devastated by years of war.
Under the deal, once all hostages are returned, Israel will release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans who were detained during the fighting in Gaza.
The breakthrough, following months of intense negotiations and multiple near-agreements, raises hopes that a war that began with Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel two years ago may finally reach a conclusion.
This conflict, Israel’s longest in its history, also drew the country into related clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran, reshaping the regional balance of power and leaving Israel as the undisputed military force in the Middle East.
Despite this, the war brought unprecedented challenges for Israel, leaving it more isolated and criticized internationally than at any time in its nearly 80-year history.
Meanwhile, Gaza bears a catastrophic toll from the air war, described by the Gaza Health Ministry as the most intense the world has witnessed since World War II.
More than 67,000 Palestinians have died, including over 20,000 children, and much of the territory is left in ruins.
The announcement of the agreement sparked relief and celebrations on both sides, with Israelis and Palestinians staying up late to follow news of progress in the mediated talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Citizens from both communities expressed cautious optimism that the ceasefire and humanitarian measures could pave the way for a broader, lasting peace.